Operation Fresh Start

About Us

Operation Fresh Start empowers emerging adults on a path to self-sufficiency through education, mentoring, and employment training. For over 50 years, Operation Fresh Start (OFS) has honed programming specifically focused on young adults aged 16-24 who have grown up in underserved communities in Dane County. In 2022, over 80% of our participants were BIPOC and 81% were living below the poverty line. Even if they have been engaged in the legal system, are unhoused, or face significant barriers to success, our young adults take proactive control over their professional prospects with OFS programs and build a fresh start toward economic stability and wealth building. Participants seek out OFS to earn their high school diploma or GED/HSED as an alternative to traditional high school and/or to receive job training and mentorship to enter life-sustaining careers in construction, conservation, healthcare, or many other fields.